The successful test of the Pyro gauntlet was a silent, world-shaking moment in the quiet of the mountain workshop. Ren and Xianyun spent the next few days in a state of intense, focused research, documenting and analyzing the properties of their revolutionary creation.
They quickly discovered a key principle of the Elemental Conduit. "It seems," Xianyun noted, her adeptal senses analyzing the crystalline structure of the Pyro-attuned device, "that the Conduit, once it has absorbed and channeled a specific type of elemental energy, becomes… attuned to it. Its internal lattice subtly realigns itself to that element's unique vibrational frequency."
"So a Pyro conduit can only be used for Pyro," Ren concluded, the engineering principle immediately clear to him. "It can't be used to channel Cryo or any other element."
"Precisely," Xianyun confirmed. "It is a vessel, but a specialized one. Forcing such, would probably cause a reaction, shattering the conduit."
The limitation was also a source of incredible potential. "That means," Ren mused, his mind already racing ahead, "that if a person wore a gauntlet on each hand, one with a Pyro conduit and one with a Cryo conduit, they could wield two elements at once."
The implications were staggering.
"The housing is not limited to a gauntlet," Xianyun added, her own mind now exploring the vast possibilities. "The core device—the Resonance Chamber and the Conduit—is small. It could be integrated into a brooch, a belt buckle, an earing perhaps. Though, one will need to theorize the movement patterns required for the activation of device runes."
"Theoretically," Ren finished, his voice a whisper of awe, "a single person could equip seven devices, one for each element, and be capable of wielding all seven elements simultaneously."
The idea was so audacious, so reality-breaking, that it hung in the air between them, a silent testament to the sheer, terrifying power they had just unleashed. They had not just created an artificial Vision; they had created a potential pathway for a mortal to achieve a form of elemental godhood.
They both knew, with an absolute, unspoken certainty, that this technology could not be kept a secret. Its potential for both good and evil was too immense. It had to be controlled, regulated, and its introduction to the world had to be managed with the utmost care.
There was only one person in Liyue with the power, the pragmatism, and the foresight to handle something of this magnitude.
After meticulously documenting their research and creating a new, comprehensive blueprint, Ren, accompanied by Xianyun, returned to Liyue Harbor, carrying the precious, world-altering prototype.
They requested an immediate, top-secret meeting with Ningguang in the Jade Chamber.
Ningguang, flanked by a curious Ganyu and a wary Keqing, listened in a profound, unbroken silence as Ren and Xianyun explained their new creation. They showed her the Pyro gauntlet. They explained its principles, its purpose as a safe alternative to the Fatui's Delusions, and its incredible, terrifying potential.
To her credit, Ningguang's legendary composure did not break, but they could see the brilliant, calculating storm of thoughts behind her amber eyes. She understood the implications immediately. This was a technology that would not just change Liyue; it would change the entire world. It was a source of power that could elevate her nation to unprecedented heights, but also a potential catalyst for endless, devastating wars.
"It requires a test," she said finally, her voice calm and steady, betraying none of the seismic shock she must have been feeling. "A test on a non-Vision bearer. Someone trustworthy, of average physical ability, to gauge its true effects on a normal person."
Her mind, a flawless repository of Liyue's human resources, had already selected the perfect candidate.
A short time later, another person was summoned to the silent, tense atmosphere of the Jade Chamber. It was Lan, the Master of the Liyue branch of the Adventurers' Guild. She was a capable, no-nonsense woman, known for her reliability and her deep, unshakeable loyalty to Liyue. And, crucially, she had no Vision.
She entered the office, her expression one of professional curiosity, which quickly turned to bewildered astonishment as the Tianquan herself explained the situation.
"Lan," Ningguang said, her tone leaving no room for argument, "you are about to participate in an experiment of the highest national importance. Your discretion is paramount."
Xianyun presented her with two sleek, dark gauntlets. "This one," she explained, gesturing to the gauntlet for the right hand, "is attuned to Pyro. And this one," she gestured to the left, "we have created to be attuned to Hydro."
With a mixture of nervousness and profound honor, Lan slid the two gauntlets onto her arms. They fit perfectly. Slivers of Agnidus Agate and Varunada Lazurite were slotted into the backup ports. The Conduits on the back of her hands flared to life, one a fiery orange, the other a deep, oceanic blue.
"Focus," Xianyun instructed gently. "Your hand movements are regarded as motions used to activate the device, use the pyro gauntlet to create a small ball of flame in your right hand."
Lan, her face a mask of intense concentration, held up her right hand. She slowly clenched her hand slightly. A small flicker of orange appeared in her palm, sputtered, and then, with a soft foom, a stable, gently burning ball of fire, the size of an apple, hovered in her hand.
A collective, sharp intake of breath was the only sound in the room.
"Now," Xianyun continued, her own voice laced with a scientific awe, "your left hand. Create a similar ball of water."
Lan, growing more confident, held up her left hand. A swirl of blue light appeared, and a perfect, shimmering sphere of pure water materialized, rotating slowly in her palm.
She was a mortal with no divine favor, a simple, hardworking guild master, and she was holding fire and water in her hands, wielding two of the world's fundamental forces with an ease that should have been impossible.
The test was a success. The world had just changed, forever, in the silent, sunlit office of a floating palace above the clouds.